The final day of my transformation (with pics)

I have come a long way since September 28, 2011. I have lost weight, gained friends, achieved milestones, inspired other friends, backtracked, had an accident and reconstructive surgery. I showed two doctors who, in 2006, told me they could getting me walking again but that was the best I could hope for, how wrong they would be. I had a dream I honestly thought would never come true. It did. I am an Ironman. This is the story of my final day.

What an incredibly freeing experience. 2013 was to be my first Ironman until an accident just two weeks prior to the race required reconstructive shoulder surgery. I wondered many times over the last year whether the sacrifice was worth trying again. I found it was worth every bit and more.

The beauty of this race extends far beyond the surroundings. The local residents, visitors, spectators, volunteers and fellow racers made this the experience of a lifetime.

I began the race while still recovering from walking pneumonia. It was a risk worth taking. 33 miles into the bike my aero bars broke. Not ideal. 65 miles in stomach cramps hit. Not uncommon for any endurance athlete. At 97.4 miles an exercise induced asthma attack began. Things got really bad after that.

The run was agonizing. My wheezing could be heard from Pemberton I'm sure. The words of encouragement and support were uplifting. Fellow racers walked with me for periods to make sure I was ok. My motivation fed off of the whispers of, "He'll never make it like that." All I had to do was just keep moving.

I crossed the finish line at 16:30:43. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I was literally carried down the final chute by the cheering of the fans. How I was able to smile, let alone run, is beyond me. My wife was waiting at the finish line to place the medal around my neck. I have never felt more complete than when we embraced.

The folks in the med tent patched me up best they could. My doc told me yesterday I can get back to training in about a month when I am done with the new meds. He said he prefers if I start healthy next time.

Next year is already bought and paid for. Can't wait to start back at it. I sincerely hope to see you there so that I can pay back the support I received from all of you. Happy training.

And don't give up. Don't ever give up.